Reforming Fast Fashion

I've loved clothes and style and fashion for as long as I can remember. In grade school, I would beg my mom for subscriptions to Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Seventeen. I would spend what little allowance I had to buy the latest trends - from necklaces at Claire's to mini skirts at Hollister (I'm cringing as I write this). In my lifetime, I've spent an embarrassing amount of money on clothes at Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Zara, American Eagle, Abercrombie, Gap, the list goes on. Clothes I've worn once, clothes I've never worn, and occassionally clothes I still wear.

When I started to learn more about sustainability and conservation, I began to realize that each purchase I make impacts the environment somehow. I became more aware of what I was buying, how I was buying, and where I was buying from. I discovered that clothes, shoes, and accessories are some of the toughest things to buy sustainably, especially when our society is obsessed with fast fashion.

“Buy less, choose well, make it last.
– Vivienne Westwood”

Now, I try to only buy secondhand or buy clothes from brands I know are doing their best to be as sustainable as possible. And, I try to only buy what I need and what I know I'll wear over and over again. Some of my favorite sustainable brands are:

• Reformation
• Amour Vert
• Patagonia
• Matt & Nat

These black jean shorts from Reformation are made from surplus denim. I live in them during the summer.

Goodbye Jane's

I have a soft spot for restaurants that are about to close after decades of serving customers. I think, deep down, I know my parents' restaurant will experience it soon and that I'll need to go through the emotional roller coaster of saying goodbye.

When I heard that Jane's was closing on July 9th, I quickly made a reservation to go. Jane's is a little, cozy, neighborhood spot in Bucktown near the corner of Cortland and Paulina. I must have biked or walked by half a dozen times but never stopped in and I wish I had earlier. 

Most of the customers at Jane's seemed like regulars and seemed to know each other and the waitstaff. The interior of the restaurant had dark wooden panels and a high wooden ceiling. I instantly felt like I was in a small town, pretending for a moment that I wasn't in the middle of a gigantic concrete city. It's places like Jane's that make living in a metropolitan area sometimes bearable. The sudden realization that there is a community around me that is inviting, friendly, and kind.

My Gym Escape

Whether I'm having a tough day or I've eaten two too many cookies, I always found solace at the gym. It's a place I can be alone with my own thoughts, be present with the task at hand, and focus on improving my physical self. I've also found working out to be a great escape when I'm feeling depressed or anxious.

I try to hit the gym at least 3-4 times a week. Even if I only have a half hour or 45 minutes to spare, I still find it's worth it to go. I'll start with 15-20 minutes of cardio (the Stairmaster is my buddy here), then I'll do some light weightlifting. I save the last 5-10 minutes for some planks and stretching.

After a few weeks, I found my routine of cardio + weights a bit boring. I've been mixing in a group class every now and then. Yoga sculpt, HIIT, and spin are a few of my favorites.

Wicker Park Stole My Heart

Each neighborhood in Chicago has its own unique charm, but I love calling Wicker Park home. To me, Wicker Park is about expression, diversity, and community. It has an artsy, hipster vibe, emphasized by colorful murals, art galleries, thrift stores, and coffee shops.

I often get asked about my favorite places in the neighborhood. I've done a lot of exploring over the past several years and here are some of my Wicker Park faves:

EATERIES

• Picante Taqueria - favorite tacos (check out $2 Taco Tuesdays and get the al pastor)

• Goddess & Grocer - great salad bar (plastic free cutlery and water glasses are a bonus)

• Falafel & Grill - order an entree plate and get a generous helping of rice, a side salad, hummus, and pita bread

• Letizia's Natural Bakery - the softest, chewiest homemade bagels (I'm not a fan of really thick, dense bagels)

• Enoteca Roma - the same owners of Letizia's, this is my favorite Italian restaurant in the city and it has a charming back patio (Nando Milano Trattoria is a close second)

• Craft Pizza - favorite thin crust pizza

• The Bento Box - favorite Asian food in the area (must try the egg rolls and the chicken Singapore noodles)

• MAK - for a healthier version of Asian food (satisfies my cravings without making me feel totally gluttonous)

• Jeni's Ice Cream - the lines aren't too bad at this location

• Small Cheval - favorite burger and great outdoor seating

• Filter - friendly cafe with lots of space

• Taxim - Greek small plates with tables usually available

STORES

• Crossroads Trading Co

• Paperdoll

OTHER THINGS TO DO

• Walk through Wicker Park

• Visit the Wicker Park Farmers Market (usually June-October)

• Explore the 606

• Check out the Bucktown-Wicker Park Public Library

Falafel & Grill

Letizia's Natural Bakery

Enoteca Roma

Enoteca Roma

Taxim

Taxim

The Lake Life

Growing up in the Midwest surrounded by cornfields and prairies, I longed for mountains and ocean coasts. Wealthier friends had lake houses in Michigan and Wisconsin. Others, like me, resorted to people's backyard pools or the rare excursion to Chicago's public beaches along Lake Michigan.

For July 4th weekend this year, we had the privilege of spending a couple days at a friend's lake house in Lakeside, Michigan. It's a little village near New Buffalo.

When we arrived, it didn't take me long to understand why people loved spending most of their time at their lake houses. I felt like I was at adult summer camp. Our friend's cottage home was surrounded by tall pine trees and located on a quiet street. The home's interior was walled and floored with beautiful pine wood, which gave it a cabin-like feel. The beach was a stone throw away. Our days consisted of sleeping, snacking, and going to the beach. It was wonderful.

The best thing? We were only 90 minutes from Chicago.